Marvelhas had a string of good luck when it comes to superhero games. With the massive success ofMarvel Rivalsfollowing the success ofMidnight Sunsand Insomniacs’Spider-Mangames, Marvel seems to be entering a golden age of Superhero games. That said, there are thousands of stories within the Marvel universe that are just begging for a video game adaptation.
From street-level brawlers to cosmic adventures, there’s no shortage of stories that could captivate players in interactive form. Whether it’s the gritty, character-driven narratives of Daredevil or the high-stakes,team-based dynamics of the Avengers,these untapped tales would bring gamers a fresh and exciting experience.With each of these storylines offering unique gameplay possibilities, it’s only a matter of time before one of them makes its way into the gaming world. Here are a few options Marvel should consider when thinking about which comic to adapt into their next hit triple-A title.
10Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe (2011 - 2012)
Deadpool(2013) Deserves A Follow-Up
Deadpool(2013) is stillone of the most faithful superhero game adaptations to date and deserves a follow-up. While many heroes deserve their initial video game debut, Spider-Man has had three games, sothe Merc with a Mouth is overdue for a follow-up.Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universewould be a chaotic, blood-pumping action game that lets players experience the Merc with a Mouth like never before. Each mission would be a mix of brutal combat and dark humor as he works his way through iconic characters like the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and even the Watcher, delivering hilarious and gruesome take-downs.
The game’s narrative would be just as twisted as Deadpool himself, with the storyline taking players on a journey where reality and fiction blur. Just like the game before it, Deadpool’s fourth wall-breaking meta jokes confronting the creators and writers responsible would provide hilariously entertaining cutscenes. The game’s structure could allow for a mix of stealth and all-out combat as Deadpool slashes his way through the Marvel Universe.With Deadpool’s popularity at an all-time high, it’s time for the antihero to have his own blockbuster game again,showing that he can hold his own with multiple game titles, just like Spidey.
9New Mutants #25 (2022)
Heavenly Sword Meets SoulSword
TheNew Mutantsseries would make a great game, for one reason and one reason alone: Magik.She is one of the most powerful and complex mutants in the Marvel Universe, making her an excellent candidate to star as the main protagonist in a game akin toHeavenly SwordorDevil May Cry.Her journey through the mystical and chaotic Limbo could offer players a unique blend of combat and exploration, featuring intense battles against demons, magic-wielding enemies, and towering bosses. Players could guide Illyana through treacherous landscapeswhile using her iconic Soulswordand teleportation abilities to navigate the hellish realm.
The storyline fromNew Mutants #25offers the perfect setup for this kind of adventure. The clash between Magik and the Goblin Queen, Madelyne Pryor, would provide the ideal framework for a story-driven game. Players could experience a high-stakes battle for the throne of Limbo,as Magik faces off against her rival in a war for dominion over the hellish dimension. This arc, which also taps into her complex past and the emotional weight of her connection to Limbo, could translate well into a gripping, narrative-driven game where every decision influences the fate of her world and her friends.
8Daredevil Born Again (1986)
The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen Deserves a Decent Game
With the momentum from its recent success on Disney+,theDaredevil: Born Againstorylinewould be an incredible fit for a game. From tracking down the Kingpin’s assassins to unraveling the conspiracy against him,players would have the chance to explore Hell’s Kitchen,battling criminals, and unraveling clues through investigative gameplay. It perfectly fits the style of anAssassin’s Creed-style game. Combat would blend stealth and brutal takedowns, channeling the intensity of theBatman: Arkhamseries' free-flowing combat while incorporating Daredevil’s heightened senses to sense enemies and evade danger.
The story’s emotional weight and themes of redemption would only enhance the gameplay, with players experiencing Matt’s struggles as he fights through personal demons, literal and metaphorical. The addition of characters like Karen Page and Foggy Nelson could offer side quests and emotional narrative depth, while iconic moments, such as Daredevil’s first appearance after the destruction of his apartment, would serve as major narrative turning points.A game like this would capitalize on the well-deserved hypecurrently surrounding the devil of Hell’s Kitchen.
7Civil War (2006 - 2007)
A Marvel Fighting Game To Rival DC’sInjustice: Gods Among Us
Injustice: Gods Among Uswas a massive success for DC, so much so that its story almost became the foundation for the Snyderverse. However, of the two comic giants,Marvel has certainly had more inner team conflicts to draw inspiration from for a fighting game, the most obvious of which isCivil War. Players would choose between Team Iron Man and Team Captain America, each side offering a distinct roster of characters with unique fighting styles and combo abilities.
The game could emphasize the narrative conflict alongside gameplay, making every match feel fresh and engaging.TheCivil Warstoryline itself offers a perfect backdrop for intense, high-stakes battles.The Avengers fracture as the government forces Heroes to register themselves and submit to oversight, providing a rich narrative for players to explore, with each match advancing the story’s central conflict. The game could even include branching storylines, where choices during each battle impact the outcome, allowing players to experience the story from both sides and see the consequences of their decisions.
6Marvel Zombies (2023)
The Zombieverse as Marvel’s Next Battle Royale
If the success ofMarvel Rivalssays anything, it’s that Marvel games should focus on a multiplayer experience, and Marvel’s Zombiverse provides that opportunity. Drawing inspiration from the ultra-popularCall of Duty ZombiesandFortnite, Marvel Zombiescould make an incredible multiplayer experience.Imagine a battle royale where players must be the last one standing in a world full of super-powered zombies. Players would choose from a roster of Marvel’s finest (and most gruesome) characters, each with unique abilities, as they fight to survive in a post-apocalyptic Earth.
As players are defeated, they turn into zombies and join the hunt, making the final players feel like they’re playingThe Last of Uson survivor difficulty. The constantly shifting dynamics of the match, with zombie hordes closing in on survivors,would keep the gameplay fresh and unpredictable.The potential for unique twists on historical Marvel events inMarvel Zombiesis limitless. The storyline’s eerie blend of classic Marvel heroes and horror would create an exhilarating experience for fans, offering them a chance to fight, survive, or join the undead horde.
5Marauders (2019 - 2022)
The World Needs A Mutant Pirate Game
A Krakoan Marauders pirate game would bring a fresh twist to the pirate genre,mixing high-seas adventure with mutant-powered combat. While Krakoa itself is a peaceful home for mutants, it constantly faces threats from outside forces, providing a constant backdrop for exciting, high-stakes missions. Players would navigate through treacherous waters and dangerous territories to carry out rescue operations, fight enemies, and protect mutantkind. The game would feature intense naval battles, on-foot combat, and exploration across vast oceans and even into space.
A game like this could blend elements from popular games likeSea of Thieves, with mutant abilities like telekinesis and teleportation, offering a pirate experience unlike ever before.The Island of Krakoawould serve as the game’s central hub, a living, sentient island that offers fast travel and sanctuary for mutants. Players could take on multiple roles within the ranks of mutant raiders under the command of Captain Kate Pryde. This mix of pirate themes, mutant powers, and the rich lore of Krakoawould create an immersive, action-packed gaming experience unlike any other.
4Ant-Man & the Wasp (2018)
Marvel Needs ASplit FictionStyle Co-Op Game
Ant-Man & the Waspmay not be most people’s top pick when it comes to a video game adaptation, but this series would be the perfect fit for a Marvel game developed by someone like Hazelight Studios. Known for their focus on co-op mechanics in games likeIt Takes TwoandSplit Fiction, Hazelight would excel at creating a unique experience where players control both Scott and Hope,using their abilities to solve complex puzzles and navigate the Quantum Realm. With dynamic, multi-layered environments, size manipulation could play an interesting role, offering creative combat scenarios and mind-bending challenges that require teamwork.
The focus on the Quantum Realm could open up exciting possibilities for exploration and environmental puzzles, with players needing to shrink to microscopic sizes to interact with their surroundings in clever ways. The gameplay could fluctuate between massive Kaiju fights and battling squirrels in the wasteland of someone’s backyard. That level of narrative flexibilitywould allow Hazelight’s storytelling expertise to shine through. This game would be the perfect family-friendly adventure, combining superhero spectacle with thoughtful design and narrative, while never feeling overly juvenile or cartoonish.
3Thor: God Of Thunder#1 (God Butcher Saga)
A God Butcher Game Could Redeem Gorr’s MCU Portrayal
Out of all the Thor characters in the MCU, none have nearly as much wasted potential as Gorr.TheGod Butcherstory is not only the best Thor storyline, butarguably one of the best Marvel storylines of all time. Fans could easily overlook the MCU’s mishandling of this legendary villain if given aGod of War-style video game that takes players on a dark and epic journey through time and across the cosmos. Players could follow Thor’s battles across different eras, from medieval Iceland to a dystopian future, facing a variety of enemies and gods in a race to stop Gorr’s devastating"Godbomb."
With fast-paced, visceral combat and epic boss battles, the game would deliver an action-packed experience rooted in emotional stakes. The villain’s thematic exploration of faith, power, and sacrifice makes God Butcher a fantastic antagonist for such a game. Players would encounter multiple versions of Thor, each facing their own struggles against Gorr’s shadowy army. The game would ideally challenge players to balance combat with narrative choices that impact Thor’s journey and understanding of his godhood.A game like this could redeem Gorr’s abysmal MCU debutand give players a chance to experience him in all his glory.
2World War Hulk (2007)
The Hulk’s Best Storyline In 4k
While there have been a few attempts at a Hulk solo game, they all failed to capitalize on one of his best stories.World War Hulkis known as one of the most beloved Marvel storylines, and it would be the perfect candidate for a hyper-aggressive, heavy metal,DOOM-like arena-based fighting game. Following Hulk’s exile and rise on Sakaar, players would experience his return to Earth, where vengeance fuels his every action. The game could feature a mix of free-roaming destruction and mission-based objectives, allowing players to engage in epic boss battles, destroy massive structures, and defeat iconic Marvel heroes who once exiled him.
The extreme power Hulk can unleashwould be at the forefront, with players smashing through cities, taking on wave after wave of enemies, and battling powerful foes like Iron Man, Reed Richards, and Doctor Strange. The game would feature over-the-top, exaggerated combat mechanics that highlight Hulk’s immense strength and destructive potential in ways that previous games failed. With the evolution of destructible environments, a modern game would look so much better than previous attempts.World War Hulkwould be the ultimate power fantasy, making players feel like an unstoppable force of nature.
1Winter Soldier
The MCU’s Greatest Triumph As Marvel’s Next AAA Title
If the MCU proved anything, it is that there is lasting franchise potential inThe Winter Soldierstory arc. Bucky is not only a complex character, but his story allows for a truly unique gaming experience. Bucky Barnes' unique role as Hydra’s history-altering hitman isperfect for aMetal Gear Solid-style game that blends real-world history with a Marvel twist.Players would step into the boots of the Winter Soldier, embarking on covert missions across the globe to influence pivotal events like the JFK assassination or the Watergate scandal. With a focus on stealth gameplay, players would infiltrate government facilities and manipulate political outcomes, all in service of Hydra’s hidden agenda.
The story’s emotional weight would create a unique gameplay experience, with Bucky’s internal struggle and quest for redemption adding depth to the missions. As the game progresses, players could uncover the truth behind Bucky’s transformation, from his brainwashing to the shocking revelation about the Cosmic Cube. The tension between his past as Captain America’s sidekick and his present as a ruthless assassin could shape key gameplay moments, with the final boss as Steve Rogers himself. Ultimately, the player’s decisions could influence how Bucky navigates his past, creating a stunningMarvelnarrative that blends historical intrigue with personal redemption.
